Super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat

ABSTRACT

A super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat that is adjustably buoyant and optionally biodegradable. The first embodiment is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, a mat, soil/flotation chambers, apertures, nutrient channels, buoyant waterscape options, and a tethering system. The floating island can include monitors that measure water and atmospheric conditions, dispensers for fish food or chemicals, and a water agitation/oxygenation device. Another embodiment comprises a positively buoyant soil matrix contained within a water-permeable bag. Another embodiment comprises a flotation collar, an outrigger, and one or more water-permeable bladders containing negatively or neutrally buoyant bedding soil. The present invention also covers an aquarium-scale floating island and submersible planter, a plant containment bag made out of thermoplastic elastomer, and several methods of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island. A method of manufacturing a floating island comprising molded thermoplastic elastomer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority back to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNos. 60/484,411 filed on Jul. 2, 2003, 60/512,509 filed on Oct. 18,2003, and 60/572,566 filed on May 19, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adjustably buoyant, optionallybiodegradable floating island that can be deployed in ponds, lakes,rivers or any other body of water to monitor, regulate and improve waterquality, enhance plant and animal life, and complement the naturalsurroundings.

2. Description of the Related Art

In bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, algae growth and the naturalprocess of eutrophication can lead to an increase in land mass andcorresponding decrease in water volume, the killing of fish and otherorganisms, and the diminishment of aesthetic appearance. Variousfloating mechanisms have been devised with the aim of purifying water,cultivating plants, dispensing fertilizer, or counteracting the effectsof eutrophication. None of these inventions anticipates the combinationof features provided by the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,440 (Ishikawa et al., 1998) discloses a floatingisland comprising: (i) a planter with holes in it to allow the roots ofthe plants to grow into the water and to supply water to the soil in theplanter; and (ii) an oxygen-generating agent container attached to thebottom of the planter. The planter is made of a foamed resin with areinforcing film of polyurethane elastomer on the surface. The inventionalso includes: (i) a layer of porous material on the inner surface ofthe bottom of the planter that has an aerobic microorganism immobilizedin it; and (ii) a plant cultivation bag to hold the soil. In thepreferred embodiment, the oxygen-generating agent is calcium peroxide,and the soil in the planter is covered with a net or fabric that ispermeable to water and air and is not harmful to the plants. In additionto generating oxygen, calcium peroxide also eliminates phosphorus,thereby restricting algae growth.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,161 (Burton, 1978) sets forth an ecological systemand method for counteracting the effects of eutrophication in bodies ofwater such as marshlands, inland ponds and lakes. The system usesclusters of bark fibers positioned in the upper, relatively oxygen-richzones of such bodies of water. These bark clusters attract and holdexcessive nutrient deposition in the form of colloidal wastes andaquatic algae and also provide a safe habitat for algae predators andfeeders.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,755 (Tepper, 2000) provides a floating hydroponicbiofiltration device for use in a body of water containing plant-eatingfish. The invention includes a float, a mesh and a matting. The floatcontains an aperture devoid of soil in which a terrestrial plant isinserted. The mesh is at a substantial depth below the float and servesto enable passage of oxygenated water to the plant roots while excludinglarge plant-eating fish. The mesh also serves as a substrate surface forthe growth of nitrogen-converting bacteria, which convert the ammonia offish waste to nitrates useful to plants. The matting anchors the plantroots and partially excludes plant-eating fish from a portion of theplant roots. In the preferred embodiment, the mesh and matting areformed of plastic.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,474 (Smith et al., 1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,856(Smith et al., 1996) set forth a biomass impoundment management systemthat uses sunlight to purify water. The main purpose of this inventionis to control impurities in water impoundments, such as ammonia,nitrogen, phosphorous and heavy metals. It is well known that nitrogenand phosphorous are a primary food source for various undesirable algaespecies, and ammonia and heavy metals are toxic to humans, fish andother organisms. This invention aims to purify water by allowing rootedbottom dwelling plants to grow and remain healthy on the bottom of awater impoundment while allowing rootless floating plants to grow andremain healthy above them. The non-rooted, floating plants are containedin a large surface area provided by elongated channels, which areoriented in a North-South direction to take full advantage of the sun.The elongated channels are designed to take advantage of wave activityto increase productivity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,516 (Hondulas, 1994) sets forth an apparatus fortreating waste water that includes a waste water basin and a number ofwetland plants in floating containers. The idea underlying thisinvention is that the root systems of the wetland plants will treat thewaste water. The extent of growth of the root systems is controlled byan adjustable platform associated with each floating container, so thatthe aerobic and anaerobic zones within the waste water basin arecontrolled and can be adjusted or varied as required. Similarly, U.S.Pat. No. 5,106,504 (Murray, 1992) covers an artificial water impoundmentsystem designed to remove biologically fixable pollutants from urban orindustrial waste water using aquatic plants to absorb pollutants.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,988 (Hogen, 1985) relates to a floating containmentbarrier grid structure for the containment of floating aquatic plants ina body of water. This invention is designed to facilitate the commercialcultivation and harvesting of aquatic plants. The grid structureconsists of elongated flexible sheets that are interconnected at spacedintervals along their longitudinal axes to form a plurality of barriersections in a web-like arrangement. Through the use of an anchoringmeans, the barrier grid is tensioned so that certain portions of thestructure are submerged beneath the surface of the water by a devicethat harvests the floating aquatic plants.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,360 (Farnsworth, 1977) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,927,491(Farnsworth, 1975) disclose a raft apparatus for growing plants by meansof water culture or hydroponics. The raft floats on a nutrient solution,and buoyancy of the rafts is increased during plant growth by placing asmall raft on a larger raft or on auxiliary buoyancy means. U.S. Pat.No. 5,261,185 (Kolde et al., 1973) also involves an apparatus floatingon a nutrient solution. In this invention, rafts are floated in a waterculture tank filled with nutrient solution, plant containers areinserted in vertically oriented channels in the raft, and the plants arecultivated by gradually moving the raft from one end of the waterculture tank to another.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,588 (Lewis, III et al., 1984) addresses asubmersible raft for the cultivation of plant life such as endangeredsea grasses. The raft is manufactured from standard polyvinyl chloridetubing and fittings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,838 (Asher, 2000) discloses a simple floatable unitfor decorative vegetation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,108 (Scheuer, 1998)describes a floating planter box comprising a polyhedral planar basemember of a synthetic foam resin less dense than water and an optionalanchoring means.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,601 (Patrick, 1994) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,020(Patrick, 1992) involve a simple apparatus for dispensing fertilizer ina pond. The invention consists of a flotation structure surrounded by aporous material such as a net sack and an opening in the flotationstructure through which fertilizer is dumped. The fertilizer isdissolved by water flowing through the net sack at the bottom of theflotation structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adjustably buoyant, optionallybiodegradable floating island that can be deployed in ponds, lakes,rivers or any other body of water to monitor, regulate and improve waterquality, enhance plant and animal life, and complement the naturalsurroundings. In the first embodiment, which utilizes thermoplasticelastomer (TPE) as the primary layer, the floating island biodegradesgradually and in conjunction with the growth of a self-sustainingnatural island around the original core. The TPE layer is optionallycomprised of soil/flotation chambers, apertures, and nutrient channels,and the island can include buoyant waterscape options and a tetheringsystem.

Optionally, the floating island can include monitors that measure waterand atmospheric conditions, dispensers for fish food or chemicals, and awater agitation/oxygenation device that runs on mechanical or solarenergy, as well as agent for controlling biological growth, pH anddissolved oxygen levels. The monitors can be part of a shore monitoringstation or located on the island itself.

In another embodiment, the floating island comprises a mat that isimpregnated with buoyant fibers, buoyant structures, nutrients, seedsand/or plant material. Abrasive particles can be adhered to the bottomof the mat to discourage animals from living on the island. An alternateembodiment comprises bedding soil that is impregnated with gas-filled,closed cell buoyant nodules. Either of these embodiments can alsoinclude an agent that enhances root growth and plant development.

In yet another embodiment, the floating island comprises a positivelybuoyant soil matrix contained within a water-permeable bag. The bag hasholes in its surface for plants to emerge, and the bag is optionallycovered by a protective netting. An alternate embodiment comprises aflotation collar, an outrigger, and one or more water-permeable bladderscontaining negatively or neutrally buoyant bedding soil.

The present invention covers an aquarium-scale floating island andsubmersible planter, as well as a plant containment bag made out of TPE.

Finally, the present invention covers several different methods ofadjusting the buoyancy of a floating island, as well as a method ofmanufacturing the first embodiment described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side section view of the present invention in a pond settingwith the cone netting design (the first embodiment of the tethersystem).

FIG. 2 is a side section view of the present invention in a pond settingwith the triangular netting design (the second embodiment of the tethersystem).

FIG. 3 is a side section view of the present invention in a pond settingwith the triangular netting design and anchor/positioning system.

FIG. 4 consists of three depictions of the triangular netting detail.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the third embodiment of the tethersystem of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the first embodiment of the TPE layer of presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the second embodiment of the TPE layer of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the mat detail of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the edge section detail of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a top view and a side section view of a particular embodimentof the present invention that is designed to increase edge habitat forsmall animals.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apertures of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the buoyantwaterscape option of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the buoyantwaterscape option used as perimeter material and a corresponding detailsection view.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the buoyantwaterscape option used as habitat enhancement in the central portion ofthe floating island and a corresponding detail section view.

FIG. 15 is a side section view of an aquarium-scale floating island.

FIG. 16 is a side section view of an aquarium-scale submersible planter.

FIG. 17 is a side section view of a TPE island with integral moldedcavities for plants.

FIG. 18 is a side section view of a first embodiment of a TPE plantcontainment bag.

FIG. 19 is a side section view of a second embodiment of a TPE plantcontainment bag.

FIG. 20 is a side section view of a TPE plant containment bag with anintegral or attached floating pad.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of the process by which one embodiment of thepresent invention is manufactured.

FIG. 22 is a top view and a side section view of the “bag-type”embodiment of the floating island, in which bedding soil is placed in awater-permeable containment bag.

FIG. 23 is a top view and a side section view of an embodiment of thepresent invention that incorporates a manually adjustable buoyancysystem.

FIG. 24 is a schematic drawing of the shore monitoring station of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a side section view of the floating island with optionaloutrigger attachments for growing aquatic plants.

FIG. 26 is a side section view of the floating island with optionaloutrigger and submerged bladder attachments for growing aquatic plants.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of phosphorus uptake by the floatingisland of the present invention. This figure is adapted from a similarfigure appearing in Robert Kadlee and Robert Knight, “TreatmentWetlands,” Lewis Publishers, 1995.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 Mat-   2 TPE layer-   3 Netting-   4 Ring-   5 Hole in the frame-   6 Cable or rope-   7 Anchors-   8 Frame to which netting is attached-   9 Tether-   10 Rope-   11 Air compressor-   12 Air hose-   13 Air pockets-   14 Soil/flotation chambers-   15 Apertures-   16 Nutrient channels-   17 Biodegradable fibers-   18 Buoyant fibers-   19 Seeds-   20 Rollers-   21 Inner pools-   22 Outer pools-   23 Outer layer-   24 First inner layer-   25 Second inner layer-   26 Central cavity-   27 Aquarium-scale island-   28 TPE shell-   29 Growth medium-   30 Buoyant nodules-   31 Aquatic or emergent plants-   32 Aquarium-scale submersible planter-   33 Heavy base-   34 Integral weight-   35 Shaft-   36 Container section-   37 Submerged aquatic plants-   38 Air bubble inclusions-   39 Molded cavities-   40 Plant containment bag-   41 Water retention material-   42 Flotation pad-   43 Flotation ring-   44 Buoyant inclusions-   45 Common fastener-   46 Cover board-   47 Positive mold components-   48 Mold-   49 Adjustably buoyant growth medium-   50 Water-permeable containment bag-   51 Holes in surface of water-permeable containment bag-   52 floating island structure-   53 Inflatable tube-   54 Exhaust valve-   55 Photovoltaic plates-   56 Support post-   57 Weatherproof box-   58 Sensors on monitoring station-   59 Air and/or water pump-   60 Battery-   61 Timer-   62 Warning light-   63 Sensors on floating island-   64 Aeration device-   65 Outrigger support-   66 Rigid or flexible outrigger-   67 Water permeable bladder-   68 Negatively or neutrally buoyant soil matrix-   69 Orthophosphate-   70 Pond-   71 Surface runoff/inflow to pond-   72 Free-floating algae-   73 Intra-island biofilm-   74 Island plant roots-   75 Elemental phosphorus-   76 Outflow from pond

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is superior to any existing floating island-typetechnology because it provides a super-enhanced habitat for plants,improves water quality, discourages algae populations, slows the processof eutrophication, provides a habitat for fish and small animals, and isdesigned to be aesthetically pleasing. It is distinguishable from any ofthe patents reviewed above because it is designed to enhance theexisting natural plant and animal habitat. Unlike any of the otherinventions discussed above, the present invention is both adjustablybuoyant and optionally biodegradable. It is relatively lightweight anddesigned to be easily installed by one person. Installation of thepresent invention does not require the draining of water, constructionof a submerged substructure, fitting or alteration of the pond liner, ordisturbance of existing flora or fauna. By virtue of its design, thepresent invention results in only minimal water displacement, whichallows the pond or other water body to retain its carrying capacity anddoes not adversely affect the health of the water body.

One embodiment of the present invention consists of a layer of TPE orother similar optionally accelerated photodegradable synthetic materialwith a low relative hardness (or “durometer”). Although TPE is thepreferred embodiment, the present invention could be made of any othersynthetic or natural material that accomplishes the same functionalresults as are described in this application. TPE can be manufactured tobe positively buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or negatively buoyant. Withinthe TPE layer are soil/flotation chambers in which bedding soil and/or abuoyant material such as closed-cell foam can be placed, as long as itis sized appropriately to fit within the soil/flotation chamber. The TPElayer also contains apertures for placement of plant bulbs, roots,bedding plants, soil with seeds, or any other plant form. In a preferredembodiment, nutrient channels run horizontally between the apertures andthe soil/flotation chambers and allow water and other nutrients to flowfreely through the floating island. Due to the low durometer of the TPE,the apertures will expand to accommodate plant and root growth, thusavoiding the tourniquet effect of more rigid planter materials.

The floating island can be configured such that the nutrient channels,soil/flotation chambers and apertures penetrate the bottom and sides ofthe TPE through to the water, or such that they do not. In the latterembodiment, the island's vascular network will consist of interconnectedflow channels that have openings at the top of the island structure butthat do not penetrate through the bottom or sides of the island. In thiscase, pond water and precipitation will enter the island from the top,percolate downward through bedding soil, be taken up by plant roots andtissues, and subsequently evapotranspire to the atmosphere. The rate ofevapotranspiration will equal the rate of vertical water flux throughthe island.

In the former embodiment, water from the water body is free to enter theisland structure from below as well as from the top, thereby providingfor a larger water flux through the island structure than for the latterembodiment. Wave action will likely force water into the nutrientchannels in surges, and these surges will move through the nutrientchannel network with each wave that passes. Movement of water into andout of soil/flotation chambers will likely be slower than water movementthrough the nutrient channels and will be governed by anadvection/diffusion process in which the rate of water flux passingthrough the island structure will equal the plant evapotranspirationrate plus the net rate of pond water flow into the nutrient channelnetwork. Factors that will affect the nutrient channel network flow rateare density, length, and diameter of flow channels and strength andfrequency of wave action in the surrounding water body. In the absenceof wave action, movement of water through the soil/flotation chamberswill still occur due to capillary action and advection/diffusion,although at a reduced rate.

The TPE of the present invention is impermeable to water, and it alsohas a unique self-sealing quality. When the TPE is punctured, it willflow back into the puncture, as long as the puncture is not too wide.This quality allows for some additional embodiments of the presentinvention that take advantage of this quality. For example, the presentinvention could be constructed with punctures rather than openings onthe bottom of the floating island to allow the roots of certain plantsto grow through the punctures in the TPE readily. This would allowgrowth to occur underneath the island as well as on top of the islandand would create a super-enhanced environment for plant development. Theplant growth underneath the island would compete with algae fornutrients present in the water, thereby creating a natural algaecontrol.

The surface or subsurface of the TPE may be flat or may containirregularities such as elevations or depressions, as desired toaccommodate the plant and animal life. The island itself may contain inits central portion additional openings from the top of the islandstraight through the TPE to the water body, resulting in added edgehabitat. The shape of the TPE (and therefore the floating island as awhole) from an aerial view may be square, rectangular, circular, ovoidor of a free flowing design.

The present invention also includes a mat that lies on top of the TPElayer. The mat can be made of any combination of natural or syntheticmaterials and can also have an irregular surface if desired. Naturalfibers may include, but are not limited to, shredded wood, wood fiber orchips, other plant materials such as stalks, cotton or similar spunfibers, jute, hemp, coir, natural rubber, and other woven or nonwovenmaterials. Synthetic materials may include, but are not limited to,spun, woven or foam plastics, synthetic mesh, artificial grass,excelsior, FUTERRA, ASPEN-FIBER TURBO MULCH, ENKAMAT, acceleratedphotodegradable polypropylene fibers, bubble wrap, and loose fillstyrofoam. The mat may also include soil, nutrients, and seeds that willgerminate and provide vegetation for the floating island. Somecombination of these components is joined to form the appropriatelybuoyant mat. The mat is designed to be used as one form of bedding forseeds or any other plant starter.

As an optional feature, barley straw, which is believed to be algistatic(i.e., prevents new growth of algae) can be added to the floating islandstructure. In a preferred embodiment, barley is positioned on thefloating island where it is exposed to both water and air. Other agentsfor controlling biological growth, pH, dissolved oxygen and otheraquatic environmental variables can also be added to the floating islandstructure.

The present invention also provides a tethering system for bothstabilizing the location of the floating island in a body of water andallowing access to the island from shore as needed. The tethering systemis designed to allow the easy relocation or repositioning of the islandat any time. Three different embodiments for the tethering system areillustrated below. The first and second embodiments consist of a netdevice that extends below the floating island and is attached to one ormore anchors. The net device, which will encompass the roots of theplants on the floating island, is intended to provide security and foodfor smaller fish and aquatic life forms such as frogs, salamanders andnewts, and the security effect of the net is further enhanced by plantroots that grow onto it. These smaller aquatic life forms will eatmosquitoes and their larvae and will also attract larger game fish tothe floating island location.

In the third embodiment of the tethering system, the anchor line isfabricated from TPE material having a high elasticity, and the tethermay have a hollow core. This design allows the island to be temporarilypulled to shore for maintenance. After maintenance, tension in thetether returns the island to its original position in the water body. Ifequipped with a hollow core, the tether can be used to aerate the pondby releasing air bubbles along a portion of the length of the tether.The source of the air bubbles can be either a shore-mounted aircompressor or an air compressor mounted directly on the floating island.An island-mounted air compressor could operate from wind, solar, wave,or other power source.

Optionally, the present invention could include a line that attaches thefloating island to the shoreline for the purpose of providing power, airand sensor pathways or distribution of food or insecticide, or for asimilar purpose (referred to as the “shore monitoring station”). Thisline could be attached to or within the line that has been secured tothe shore for periodic retrieval of the island for maintenance, or itcould be a separate line. In a preferred embodiment, photovoltaic platesare located on a fixed foundation such as a support post used in a chainlink fence or PVC pipe and are positioned to allow for optimal solarorientation. A weatherproof box containing sensor-registering devices,air and/or water pump(s), and a timing device to optimize the use ofsuch devices is attached to the same support post, and a warning lightindicates whether the equipment needs attention. By locating thisequipment on shore rather than on the floating island itself, theequipment is more accessible, and concerns relating to weightlimitations, accessibility issues, possibility of water damage, andinstability are avoided.

The floating island of present invention is designed to avoidbiodegradability long enough to establish a self-sustaining floatingisland structure, after which it will slowly assimilate into thesubsurface of the water body. If desired, the island materials can bedesigned to biodegrade at a controlled rate, thus providing a limitedlifetime for the structure. More than one floating island unit can beused, in a modular fashion, if a larger self-sustaining floating islandstructure is desired immediately.

The floating island is adjustably buoyant in several respects. First,the buoyancy of the TPE itself can be adjusted. The buoyancy of the TPEcan be adjusted during manufacture by sparging air into the TPE,adjusting the ratios of polymers to plasticizers, or by selecting thepolymers used based on their specific gravities. Second, the buoyancy ofthe mat can also be adjusted by adding varying degrees of the variety ofmaterials described above, some of which are more buoyant than others.Third, closed-cell foam or other buoyant material can be added to thebedding soil. In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustablybuoyant bedding soil is placed in a water-permeable containment bag. Inthis configuration, the buoyancy of the structure is set by adjustingthe amount of buoyant material within the bedding soil. The “weave” ofthe containment bag is sufficiently porous to permit adequate flow ofwater and dissolved nutrients, but it is also tight enough to preventthe escape of potting soil particles.

Fourth, plants with varying buoyancies can be selected to achieve theoverall desired buoyancy of the floating island. The floating island canbe made as thick or as thin as it needs to be to accommodate particularplants in any given area while still maintaining the desired buoyancy.Fifth, buoyancy can be adjusted through tension on the tethering systemto hold the island at the desired elevation in relation to the watersurface or the floor of the water body. Sixth, buoyancy can be furtheradjusted by means of an internal air chamber feature added to thefloating island. This feature could be pre-inflated, adjustablyinflated, or deflated through a valve and a hand pump or through an airpump powered by a photovoltaic unit, wind turbine, batteries, utilitygrid electric power, or other means. Seventh, the island could beinoculated with gas-producing microorganisms, which would furthercontribute to the overall buoyancy of the island.

In addition to the means for adjusting buoyancy described above, thepresent invention includes optional buoyant waterscape options that canbe placed around the perimeter of the island for a more finished look orto improve buoyancy, or they can be placed on the island to provideadded habitat for small animals or for terrestrial (non-aquatic) plants.These waterscape options may be compacted and maintained in a “log”shape by means that may include, but are not limited to, externalwrappers such as netting, natural or synthetic adhesives, and melting.In the preferred embodiment, these buoyant waterscape options arecomposed of four layers—an outer layer of plastic netting or similarmaterial, a layer of material that provides buoyancy neutral mass andacts as a shock absorber and growth medium (this layer could be made ofany of the same materials as the mat), a layer of malleable materialthat determines and hold the shape of the waterscape option, and aninner layer that can be air or a buoyant material such as closed-cellfoam. The buoyant waterscape options could also be made of naturaldriftwood.

Buoyancy can also be adjusted periodically by moving the island to shoreand adjusting the air/water ratios in hollow chambers within the islandsubstrate, or in situ, by means of inflatable chambers that arepressurized via a hand pump or an air tube connecting the island to ashore-based source of compressed air. Saturation of the mat and/or thegrowth of foliage above the surface may require adjustment of buoyancyover time, and the present invention allows for such adjustments duringthe life of the floating island. The periodic inflation and deflation ofthe floating island's air chambers will contribute to the circulation ofwater in and through the island.

The ability to adjust buoyancy of the floating island through any or allof the means described above allows the floating island of the presentinvention to host hydroponic, soil-saturated, or non-saturated plantgrowth all at the same time. The floating island may comprise additionaloptional attachments that are specifically designed for providing growthmedia for submerged-root aquatic plants. The objectives of theseattachments are to provide habitat for additional plant species thatthrive under submerged conditions, and to increase the total plantproduction of the island. Vessels made of slightly negatively buoyantTPE can be attached to the floating island to host submerged plants.This latter design aspect would alleviate the adverse effects ofchanging water levels on submerged plants. Thus, the floating island canhost obligate wetland plants, facultative wetland plants, facultativeplants, facultative upland plants, and upland plants, or any combinationof the above.

The present invention provides a super-enhanced habitat for plantsbecause its highly vascularized design allows for the free flow ofwater, oxygen and nutrients under, over and through the floating island;the height and width of the apertures can be adjusted to accommodateparticular plants; the optimal buoyancy for any particular plant can beachieved by the means discussed above; the apertures actually expand toallow for plant and root growth; large plant-eating fish are preventedfrom accessing the plant roots by virtue of the net device; andplant-eating animals can be prevented from accessing the floating islandby shaping the edges of the floating island so that those animals cannotboard or by setting the mat back from the edge of the optionally thin,low-friction TPE layer. Additionally, agents (such as mycorrizhia) thatsymbiotically enhance root growth and overall plant development can beincorporated into the mat or bedding soil. The width and length of thenutrient channels are designed to manage the buildup of anaerobicbacteria. Furthermore, the present invention is designed to accommodateseed germination, seedlings, plugs, cuttings, bulbs, tubers, roots,mature plants or any other form of plant propagation.

The present invention serves to reduce algae growth by providingnutrient uptake, inexpensive shade, fast plant growth, and oxygengeneration. The present invention improves water quality through theinclusion of plants that take nutrients not only from the floatingisland but also from the pond or other body of water in which thefloating island is located. By competing for nutrients, these plantswill slow the process of eutrophication, which is caused by the presenceof excess nutrients in the water, and decrease the algae population. Theshade provided by the floating island interrupts algal photosynthesis,which also discourages the proliferation of algae. The present inventionalso retards surface evaporation and stabilizes water temperature, bothof which result in better pond health. A monitoring sensor or sensorscould be installed on or under the floating island to monitor waterconditions such as pH, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential,and temperature to assist in achieving optimal growth conditions, or tomonitor atmospheric conditions related to island or pond health.Mechanical or electrical water conditioning or filtration units couldalso be provided within or attached onto the present invention.

In addition, a water agitation/oxygenation device that runs onmechanical or solar energy could be added to the floating island tofurther improve the health of the water body. Such a device would serveboth to oxygenate the water and to circulate it through and around thefloating island. A mechanical device would likely rely upon wind,current or wave action. A solar device could include stationary panelswhose orientation to the sun can be changed by moving the position ofthe island via the anchoring system, or the island could be equippedwith monitoring and control electronics that automatically position thesolar panel at the most efficient orientation relative to the currentsun positions (i.e., a tracking system). The increased water oxygenationwould benefit both animal and plant life while making it more difficultfor anaerobic bacteria (like those that contribute to undesirable waterconditions such as slime or foul odor) to survive. The increasedoxygenation would also benefit nitrifying bacteria, which play acritical role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems byscavenging potentially toxic nitrogen compounds from their surroundings(including ammonia and nitrite) and producing a soluble nitrate endproduct.

The present invention benefits sensitive and desirable species, bothplant and animal, by providing improved security cover as compared to amore predator-accessible land-based island or prior art floatingislands, whose focus is not on providing security cover for smallanimals. The floating island of the present invention can be made withraised, blended or varied peripheral borders to either assist or resistboarding by small animals and waterfowl. A distribution unit can beadded to the floating island for the dispersal of agents to aid infeeding fish, fighting mosquitoes, or any other appropriate goal. Thefish feeding unit could be synchronized with the wateragitation/oxygenation unit to condition both small and large fish toapproach the floating island when the water is agitated, therebyenhancing the fishing experience.

The present invention is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and canbe customized to meet the consumer market's individualized aquascapegoals. A variety of aquatic or riparian plants or seed can be added orsubstituted at any time, the island can be trimmed to the customer'sshape of choice, and folk art can be added at the customer's option. Thecolor, transparency or opacity, texture and flexibility of the TPE canbe controlled internally or on its surface as desired for functional oraesthetic reasons. In addition, color can be incorporated into the matas desired.

The floating island of the present invention may also be used in streamsand rivers as undercut banks for improved habitat or in any water bodyfor bank erosion control (protection from wind and wave action). Thefloating island can be tethered or anchored to the shore of a pond, lakeor ocean or the bank of a river or stream. In this position, thefloating island will help to dissipate wave energy generated by wind,current and tidal forces, thereby lowering erosion and stabilizing theshore or bank.

FIG. 1 is a side section view of the present invention in a pond settingwith the cone netting design. This figure illustrates the mat 1, the TPElayer 2, and the netting 3, which connects to a ring 4 to which ananchor (not shown) can be attached. The cone netting design is oneembodiment of the net device.

FIG. 2 is a side section view of the present invention in a pond settingwith the triangular netting design. This figure illustrates the mat 1,the TPE layer 2, and the netting 3. The netting is attached to a frame(shown in FIG. 4), and the tethering system is attached to the nettingthrough a hole 5 in the frame. The triangular netting design is anotherembodiment of the net device.

FIG. 3 is a side section view of the present invention in a pond settingwith the triangular netting design and anchor/positioning system. Thisfigure illustrates the mat 1, the TPE layer 2, the netting 3, and theholes 5 in the frame of the net device to which the tethering systemattaches. It also shows anchor/positioning system, which includes ropeor cable 6 and anchors 7 and which serves to stabilize the floatingisland.

FIG. 4 consists of three depictions of the triangular netting detail. Itshows the netting 3, the frame to which the netting is attached 8, andthe hole 5 in the frame through which the rope or cable 6 (shown in FIG.3) of the tethering system is directed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the third embodiment of the tethersystem of the present invention. The top drawing shows the island in thenormal position, and the bottom drawing shows the island in themaintenance position. In this embodiment a tether 9 made of TPE or othersuitable elastic material is attached to an anchor 7, which rests on thebottom of the water body. The TPE layer 2 is attached to a retrievalrope 10, which allows a person to pull the island to shore formaintenance. The island is connected to an air compressor 11 by an airhose 12. The air compressor causes air bubbles 13 to be generated alongthe tether. This embodiment of the tether system also includes netting3.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the first embodiment of the TPE layer of thepresent invention. This figure shows the soil/flotation chambers 14, theapertures 15, which are typically smaller than the soil/flotationchambers, and the nutrient channels 16 of the TPE layer 2, which isovoid in shape. The solid lines indicate an opening to the surface,while the dotted lines indicate sub-surface openings. Although not shownin this figure, the nutrient channels may extend to the outside surfaceof the TPE layer, open to the water.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the second embodiment of the TPE layer of thepresent invention. This figure shows the soil/flotation chambers 14, theapertures 15, and the nutrient channels 16 of the TPE layer 2, which isirregularly shaped. As in the previous figure, the solid lines indicatean opening to the surface, while the dotted lines indicate sub-surfaceopenings.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the mat detail of the present invention. Asis shown in this figure, in the preferred embodiment, the mat 1 is madeof biodegradable fibers 17 and buoyant fibers 18 and is embedded withseeds 19. During the manufacturing process, the mat is pressed togetherwith a bonding agent or process. In this figure, rollers 20 are shown todepict that process.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the edge section detail of the presentinvention. This figure shows the soil/flotation chambers 14, theapertures 15, and the nutrient channels 16. It also illustrates that themat 1 can be designed to either assist or resist small animal andwaterfowl boarding. If the mat extends to the edge of the TPE layer(upper drawing), then that design will assist small animal and waterfowlboarding. On the other hand, if the mat is set back from the edge of theTPE layer (lower drawing), then small animal and waterfowl will havedifficulty boarding the floating island because of the low-friction,slick surface of the TPE. If desired, the outer edge of the TPE could bemade so thin that it will not support the weight of animals or waterfowlthat attempt to board the island.

FIG. 10 is a top view and side section view of a particular embodimentof the present invention that is designed to increase edge habitat forsmall animals. In this context, “edge habitat” means the space at theinterface of the water and dry land. In this embodiment, the floatingisland contains inner pools 21 and outer pools 22 where there are holesin the floating island that extend from top to bottom. The outer edge ofthe island consists only of a thin TPE layer 2, which prevents heavierpredators from boarding the island, whereas the central portion of theisland contains the three layers discussed above (TPE, mat and beddingsoil). The pools provide additional edge habitat and underwater escaperoutes for small animals such as frogs.

FIG. 11 is a side view of various shapes of apertures, showing that theapertures 15 can be made to contain various sizes and shapes of plantroots and bedding material. As shown in this figure, plant material ofany height or width can be accommodated with or without additionalbedding soil. This can be accomplished by adjusting the thickness of theTPE layer, the mat, or both.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the buoyantwaterscape option of the present invention. The outer layer 23 is madeof plastic netting or a similar material. The first inner layer 24 ismade of a neutral buoyancy material that acts as a shock absorber, suchas jute, coconut fiber, wood shavings, or similar material. The secondinner layer 25 is a malleable tube that can bend and hold the shape ofthe waterscape option to conform to whatever design is desired. Insidethe malleable tube is a central cavity 26 that can be made of air orclosed-cell foam or any other material to provide the desired buoyancy.

One preferred option for fabricating the malleable tube is to use arigid thermoplastic pipe (e.g., Schedule 40 PVC water pipe). Thestraight tube stock is softened by applying temporary localized heat,while applying bending pressure. The tube is allowed to cool and hardenin the desired shape. Heat can be applied by a commercial pipe bendingheater, or alternately, by a custom made heater that fits inside thepipe and maintains a circular cross section within the pipe while thepipe is heated, bent, and cooled.

Another preferred option for fabricating the malleable tube is to use acommercially available semi-rigid metal pipe. Examples of such pipeinclude FLEX-LOCK aluminum duct hose (McMaster-Carr PN 54995K11) andaluminum light gauge metal hose (McMaster-Carr PN 55335K41). These hosematerials can be manually bent by applying bending forces, and theymaintain the bent shape after bending forces are removed.

Another preferred option for fabricating the malleable tube is toconstruct a hose from thermoplastic similar to the flexible metal hosesdescribed above. The bent shape of such a thermoplastic hose could be“locked in” by melting the flexible unions in the hose and allowing themto weld together.

For all of the options described above, the rigidity of the bent pipecan be optionally increased by injecting material such as expandablefoam insulation into the interior of the pipe and allowing it to cureand harden. The options described above are meant as representativeexamples and are not an exhaustive list of all possible options.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the buoyantwaterscape option used as perimeter material and a corresponding detailcross-section view. The left drawing in this figure is a top view of thefloating island that shows the buoyant waterscape option used asperimeter material. The right drawing in this figure is a cross-sectiontaken at line A-A of the left drawing of one of the perimeter waterscapeoptions. It shows the plastic netting outer layer 23, the neutralbuoyancy first inner layer 24, the malleable tube second inner layer 25,and the adjustably buoyant central cavity 26, all in relation to the mat1 and the TPE 2.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the buoyantwaterscape options used as habitat enhancement in the central portion ofthe floating island and a corresponding detail section view. The leftdrawing in this figure is a top view of the floating island that showsthe buoyant waterscape options used as habitat enhancement in thecentral portion of the floating island. The right drawing in this figureis a cross-section taken at line B-B of the left drawing of one of thecentral waterscape options. It shows the plastic netting outer layer 23,the neutral buoyancy first inner layer 24, the malleable tube secondinner layer 25, and the adjustably buoyant central cavity 26, all inrelation to the mat 1 and the TPE layer 2.

In addition to deployment in or on a body of water, the floating islanddescribed herein can also be used as a micro-island for aquariums orterrariums to remove chemicals found commonly in tap water that maynegatively affect invertebrate growth and overall water quality orclarity or to serve as habitat for plant or animal life. In this regard,an aquarium could be converted from strictly an aquatic habitat to acombination of aquatic and terrestrial habitats where fish can be raisedalongside more traditional terrarium species like frogs and turtles.Referring to FIG. 15, which is a side section view of an aquarium-scalefloating island, the aquarium-scale island 27 is comprised of a TPEshell 28, growth medium 29 and buoyant nodules 30. The buoyant nodules30 may be comprised of any suitable low-density material, such asclosed-cell polyethylene foam. Aquatic or emergent plants 31 grow in andprotrude through the island. The ability of the TPE to be transparentaffords an ability to see the plant roots as they grow.

FIG. 16 is a side section view of an aquarium-scale submersible planter32 fabricated from TPE or similar material. The planter is comprised ofa heavy base 33 with integral weight 34, a shaft 35, and a containersection 36. Inside the container section 36 are growth medium 29,buoyant nodules 30, and submerged aquatic plants 37.

FIG. 17 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention, in whichthe floating island comprises a TPE layer 2, optional air bubbleinclusions 38, optional buoyant nodules 30, molded cavities for plants39, and plants 31. The molded cavities 39 may optionally contain growthmedium, buoyant nodules and/or moisture-retaining material. Thisembodiment can be full-size or aquarium-size.

FIG. 18 is a side section view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, namely, a TPE plant containment bag 40 (also referred to asthe “jellyfish bag” embodiment). In this embodiment, the bag 40 iscomprised of a TPE shell 28, growth medium 29, and buoyant nodules 30.The bag may also optionally comprise water retention material 41. Thepurpose of the water retention material is to absorb water during thefilling process and supply water to the plant roots during periods ofstorage and transportation, when the exterior of the bag 40 is not incontact with water. The water retention material may be any suitablematerial that is efficient at wicking and holding water. Examples ofsuitable materials include zeolite (a natural mineral product),fine-stranded nonwoven mesh, and open-cell polymer foam. The containmentbag 40 may be used as a stand-alone product to transport and transplantplants, or it may alternately be used as an insert unit within afloating island.

Alternately, the TPE containment bag could be shaped as shown in FIG.19. In this particular embodiment, the plant containment bag 40 isgenerally cylindrical in shape, with a rounded top and bottom and a holeat the top. This shape is advantageous for use with nursery-grown pottedplants, in which the plant roots are grown within a cylindrically shapedmold.

When used to transport plants, the TPE bags could be filled withmoistened bedding matrix or a synthetic polymer material that tends tosoak up water. Because the TPE is impermeable to water, the moisturewould remain largely contained within the bag. The only avenue forevaporation or leakage would be through the hole through which the plantis inserted into the bag.

When used as an insert for the floating island, the bags wouldoptionally have an opening on the bottom of the bag to allow water toreadily reach the plant's roots. Due to the unique qualities of TPE, theplant roots would be able to grow through the TPE, but this processcould take one to two weeks. The holes in the bottom of the TPE bagswould allow the plant roots to reach the water more quickly and wouldprevent the plants from drying out.

The TPE plant containment bag embodiment takes advantage of the uniquequalities of TPE by allowing a small opening at the top of the bag to bestretched wide enough to accept a bedding plant and bedding matrix,while at the same time serving to retain appropriate moisture for anextended period. These features render the TPE bag superior toconventional plant containers. When necessary, the bags can be adaptedto allow water to flow into and through them, as in, for example, theholes at the bottom of the TPE bag.

FIG. 20 depicts a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18. Thisvariation is referred to as the “lily pad” embodiment. FIG. 20 shows acontainment bag 40 with a flotation pad 42, which comprises a flotationring 43 and buoyant inclusions 44. The containment bag 40, flotation pad42 and flotation ring 43 are made of TPE. This embodiment of thefloating island may be formed as a single piece or, alternately, inmultiple pieces. Flotation is provided primarily by buoyant inclusions44, which may be comprised of lightweight foam, air pockets, or anyother suitable low-density material. The flotation ring 43 can be moldedwith a solid cross-section (as shown) or made as a hollow skin (notshown) into which materials are subsequently inserted. Individual “lilypad” units can optionally be hooked together to form a floating group.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of the process by which the TPE embodimentswith the soil/flotation chambers, apertures and nutrient channels aremanufactured. A common fastener 45 such as a screw, bolt, stud or wingnut is attached to a cover board 46, which sits on top of the seeded mat1. Positive mold components 47 shaped for the particular soil/flotationchambers 14 and apertures 15 are placed in the hot TPE to form the TPElayer 2. A mold 48 shapes the bottom of the TPE layer 2 to the desiredconfiguration. The nutrient channels (not shown) are formed by pushing asharp tube through the TPE after the molding process.

The preferred molding process involves the following steps: forming orsculpting a positive (male) upside down on a flat surface using anynon-porous durable material; placing a containment rim of sufficientdepth around the positive; pouring a silicone rubber compound such asSMOOTH-ON SMOOTH-SIL 945 to cover the positive; and removing andinverting the silicone mold to allow the TPE to be poured into the moldto produce the body of the island. The silicone is durable inhigh-temperature situations of 400° C. or greater, which makes itsuitable for this application.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, one without anyTPE layer, the floating island consists of a mat with bedding soil andseed scattered over the top of it. The mat could be made of a nonwovenfiber material that is polyester, nylon or vinyl, or any other materialthat has sufficient interstices to capture and hold the scatteredbedding soil and seed and that is permeable enough to allow water topass through it. Optionally, grit comprising glass, sand or otherabrasive particles could be adhered to the bottom of the mat todiscourage beaver, muskrat and similar animals from living on theisland.

FIG. 22 is a top and a side view of the “bag-type” embodiment of thefloating island, in which bedding soil is placed in a water-permeablecontainment bag. Aquatic or riparian plants are set in an adjustablybuoyant growth medium 49 that has nodules of high buoyancy material 30incorporated into the bedding soil. The bedding soil sits in awater-permeable containment bag 50, which contains holes 51 in itssurface for plants to emerge. The bedding soil is also covered byprotective netting 3, which acts as a shelter for small fish.

FIG. 23 is a top view and a side section view of an embodiment of thepresent invention that incorporates a manually adjustable buoyancysystem. This buoyancy system can be used with either the TPE or thewater-permeable bag embodiments discussed above. An external aircompressor 11 is used to adjust the buoyancy of the floating islandstructure and/or to provide carbon dioxide and oxygen to the water inorder to replenish these gases and promote growth of desirable plantsand animals. The compressed air is used to adjust the buoyancy of theisland by providing a means to vary the inflation of balloon-likedevices (which are expandable, air-tight containers) within the islandsubstrate. This feature may be useful to compensate for changes inbuoyancy caused by plant growth or saturation of the mat by water. Anair compressor 11 is attached to the island structure 52 by a compressedair hose 12, which leads to an inflatable tube 53 or tubes on theisland. An exhaust valve 54 extends downward into the water from thebottom of the inflatable tube 53, a controller (not shown) is located onthe exhaust valve, and air bubbles 13 are generated.

FIG. 24 is a schematic drawing of the shore monitoring station of thepresent invention. This shore monitoring station can be used with any ofthe floating island embodiments. In the preferred embodiment,photovoltaic plates 55 are attached to a support post 56, as is aweatherproof box 57. The weatherproof box 57 contains various sensors58, an air and/or water pump 59, a battery 60, and a timer 61. A warninglight 62 is located outside of the weatherproof box 57. An air hose 12runs from the support post 50 to the floating island, which containssensors 63 on, under or above the island. An aeration device 64 isattached to the air hose 12 in close proximity to the island.

FIG. 25 is a side section view of the floating island with optionaloutrigger attachments for growing aquatic plants. These outriggerattachments can be used with any of the floating island embodiments. Asillustrated in this figure, one preferred embodiment of the attachmentsis via outrigger mechanisms that suspend plant-growth media at selectedlevels below the water surface. In this context, plant-growth mediarefers to the assembly comprised of the water-permeable bladder and thesoil matrix. One advantage of this arrangement is that the submergedplant-growth media can be extended beyond the shadow footprint of thefloating portion of the island, thus enabling maximum sunlight to reachthe submerged plants.

The submerged plant-growth media can be constructed of similar materialsto the previously described soil matrix for the bag-type floatingisland, except that the buoyancy is adjusted to be negatively orneutrally buoyant. The outriggers can be constructed of thermoplasticpipe or other similar material. The flotation collar and outriggersupports can be donut shaped, and can be fabricated out of TPE, plasticfoam, or other similar positively or adjustably buoyant material.

In this embodiment, an adjustably buoyant flotation collar and outriggersupport 65 sits on adjustably buoyant growth medium 49. Protectivenetting 3 extends below the floating island and is attached to a tether6 and anchor 7. A rigid or flexible outrigger 66 connects the floatingisland to a water-permeable bladder 67, which contains negatively orneutrally buoyant soil matrix 68.

FIG. 26 is a side section view of the floating island with optionaloutrigger and submerged bladder attachments for growing aquatic plants.As in FIG. 25, the outrigger and submerged bladder attachments can beused with any of the floating island embodiments. In this embodiment,the plant-growth media may optionally be positioned directly below thefloating portion of the island on the tether or a separate attachment(not shown). The tethered attachments may be used either with or withoutthe protective netting (not shown). These tethered attachments may beused alone or in combination with the outrigger attachments (shown). Oneadvantage of the tethered media is that they provide shaded habitat forplants that prefer less sunlight.

In this embodiment, an adjustably buoyant flotation collar and outriggersupport 65 containing adjustably buoyant growth medium 49 is attached toa flexible or rigid outrigger 66, which is attached at its other end toa water-permeable bladder 67 containing negatively or neutrally buoyantsoil matrix 68. A tether 6 extends below the floating island and isattached to a water-permeable bladder 67 containing negatively orneutrally buoyant soil matrix 68 and an anchor 7.

FIG. 27 illustrates how the floating island of the present invention canbe used to manage orthophosphate runoff from agricultural activities. Inthis figure, dissolved orthophosphate 69 from agricultural activitiesenters a pond 70 via surface runoff 71. The dissolved orthophosphate 69is taken up in a sorption process (as shown schematically by arrows) byfree-floating algae 72, intra-island biofilm 73, and island plant roots74. The orthophosphate 69 is converted to elemental phosphorus 75 andincorporated into plant biomass. When the plants die, the phosphorus 75settles to the bottom of the pond, where it is stored as a solid.Through this process, the concentration of dissolved orthophosphate isreduced, resulting in a lower concentration of orthophosphate at theoutflow 76 than at the inflow 71. This figure applies to all of theembodiments of the present invention that include living plants.

Although numerous embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that manychanges and modifications may be made without departing from theinvention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are thereforeintended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

Definitions

The term “advection” means the movement of water caused by pressuregradients.

The term “aquaculture” means a technique of growing plants (withoutsoil) in water containing dissolved nutrients.

The term “eutrophication” means the process by which waters rich inmineral and organic nutrients promote a proliferation of plant life,especially algae, thereby reducing the dissolved oxygen content andoften causing the extinction of other organisms.

The term “evapotranspire” or “evapotranspiration” refers to the combinedeffect of evaporation and plant transpiration. Plant transpiration isthe process by which water is taken up through the plant roots andescapes through the leaf tissue into the air.

The term “excelsior” means slender, curved wood shavings used especiallyfor packing.

The term “facultative plants” refers to plants that occur in wetlandsthirty-four to sixty-six percent (34-66%) of the time.

The term “facultative upland plants” refers to plants that occur inwetlands one to thirty-three percent (1-33%) of the time.

The term “facultative wetland plants” refers to plants that occur inwetlands sixty-seven to ninety-nine percent (67-99%) of the time.

The term “freeform” means having an amorphous or irregular boundary or aboundary that lacks definite form.

The term “geometrical” means having a boundary characterized by lines,angles, curves, circles, squares, or other geometric shapes.

The term “hydroponic” means of or relating to aquaculture.

The term “obligate wetland plants” refers to plants that occur inwetlands more than ninety-nine percent (99%) of the time.

The term “photovoltaic” means capable of producing a voltage whenexposed to radiant energy, especially light.

The term “upland plants” refers to plants that occur in wetlands lessthan one percent (1%) of the time.

1. A floating island comprising a layer of thermoplastic elastomer orsimilarly adjustably buoyant material, wherein the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer is molded to the shape of the floating island.2. The floating island of claim 1, wherein the buoyancy of the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer is adjusted to achieve maximum plant growth. 3.The floating island of claim 1, wherein the color, transparency oropacity, texture, flexibility and shape of the layer of thermoplasticelastomer are separately adjustable.
 4. The floating island of claim 1,wherein the layer of thermoplastic elastomer is puncturable, therebyallowing plant roots and other plant components to occur within, aboveand below it.
 5. The floating island of claim 1, wherein the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer is puncturable, resulting in a mass of plantgrowth underneath the floating island.
 6. The floating island of claim5, wherein the mass of plant growth acts as a natural algae control. 7.The floating island of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer is flat.
 8. The floating island of claim 1,wherein the top surface of the layer of thermoplastic elastomer isirregular.
 9. The floating island of claim 1, wherein the bottom surfaceof the layer of thermoplastic elastomer is flat.
 10. The floating islandof claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the layer of thermoplasticelastomer is irregular.
 11. The floating island of claim 1, whereinthere are vertical holes in the layer of thermoplastic elastomer. 12.The floating island of claim 1, wherein the edges of the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer are shaped so as to prevent animals fromboarding the floating island.
 13. The floating island of claim 1,wherein the layer of thermoplastic elastomer comprises soil/flotationchambers, apertures, and nutrient channels (collectively, the “nutrientchannel network”).
 14. The floating island of claim 13, wherein thelayer of thermoplastic elastomer is constructed so that the rate ofwater flux passing through the island structure equals the plantevapotranspiration rate plus the net rate of pond water flow into thenutrient channel network.
 15. The floating island of claim 13, whereinthe soil/flotation chambers are filled with buoyant material.
 16. Thefloating island of claim 15, wherein the buoyant material is closed-cellfoam.
 17. The floating island of claim 13, wherein the apertures containplant bulbs, roots, bedding plants, soil with seeds, or any other plantform.
 18. The floating island of claim 13, wherein the height and widthof the apertures are adjustable to accommodate particular plants. 19.The floating island of claim 13, wherein the nutrient channels runbetween the apertures and the soil/flotation chambers.
 20. The floatingisland of claim 19, wherein the nutrient channel penetrate the bottomand sides of the layer of thermoplastic elastomer.
 21. The floatingisland of claim 19, wherein the nutrient channels do not penetrate thebottom and sides of the layer of thermoplastic elastomer.
 22. Thefloating island of claim 19, wherein the width and length of thenutrient channels are designed to manage the buildup of anaerobicbacteria.
 23. A floating island comprising a layer of biodegradablematerial, wherein the layer of biodegradable material is conformed tothe shape of and attached onto the floating island.
 24. A floatingisland comprising a layer of biodegradable material, wherein the layerof biodegradable material is molded to the shape of the floating island.25. A floating island comprising a mat, wherein the mat is made ofsynthetic or natural materials, or any combination thereof, and whereinthe mat is impregnated with any combination of buoyant fibers, buoyantstructures, nutrients, seeds, or any other plant material.
 26. Thefloating island of claim 25, wherein the mat further comprises an agentthat enhances root growth and overall plant development.
 27. Thefloating island of claim 25, wherein the color of the mat is adjustable.28. The floating island of claim 25, wherein the mat is made of anonwoven polyester fiber material.
 29. The floating island of claim 25,wherein the mat is made of a nonwoven nylon fiber material.
 30. Thefloating island of claim 25, wherein the mat is made of a nonwoven vinylfiber material.
 31. The floating island of claim 25, wherein abrasiveparticles are adhered to the bottom of the mat.
 32. The floating islandof claim 31, wherein the abrasive particles are comprised of glass. 33.The floating island of claim 31, wherein the abrasive particles arecomprised of sand.
 34. A floating island comprising the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer of claim 1 and the mat of claim
 25. 35. Thefloating island of claim 34, wherein the mat is set back from the edgeof the layer of thermoplastic elastomer to prevent animals from boardingthe floating island.
 36. A floating island comprising bedding soil,wherein the bedding soil is impregnated with gas-filled, closed cellbuoyant nodules.
 37. The floating island of claim 36, wherein thebedding soil comprises an agent that enhances root growth and overallplant development.
 38. A floating island comprising the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer of claim 1 and the bedding soil of claim
 36. 39.A floating island comprising the mat of claim 25 and the bedding soil ofclaim
 36. 40. The floating island of claim 13, wherein thesoil/flotation chambers are filled with the bedding soil of claim 36.41. A floating island comprising any combination of a layer ofthermoplastic elastomer, a mat, and bedding soil.
 42. The floatingisland of claims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprising an agentfor controlling biological growth.
 43. The floating island of claim 42,wherein the agent is barley straw.
 44. The floating island of claims 1,23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprising an agent for controlling pH.45. The floating island of claims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, furthercomprising an agent for controlling dissolved oxygen levels.
 46. Thefloating island of claims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprising atethering system, wherein the tethering system comprises a net devicethat extends below the floating island and that is attached to one ormore anchors.
 47. The floating island of claim 46, wherein the tetheringsystem further comprises a rope or cable that connects the floatingisland to the shore.
 48. The floating island of claim 46, wherein thetethering system further comprises an anchor line fabricated fromthermoplastic elastomer.
 49. The floating island of claim 48, whereinthe anchor line is hollow.
 50. The floating island of claim 49, whereinthe anchor line is attached to a shore-mounted air compressor.
 51. Thefloating island of claim 49, wherein the anchor line is attached to anair compressor mounted directly on the floating island.
 52. The floatingisland of claims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprising a means forproviding power to the floating island.
 53. The floating island ofclaims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprising a means for obtainingsensory information from the floating island.
 54. The floating island ofclaims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprising a means fordistributing fish food or insecticide on or around the island.
 55. Thefloating island of claims 1, 23, 24, 25, 36 or 41, further comprisingone or more water conditioning or filtration unit(s).
 56. A floatingisland comprising an air compressor that is powered by one or morestationary solar panels.
 57. A floating island comprising an aircompressor that is powered by one or more solar panels that arecontrolled by a tracking system that automatically positions the solarpanels at the most efficient orientation relative to the current sunposition.
 58. A floating island comprising buoyant waterscape optionsplaced around the perimeter of the floating island.
 59. A floatingisland comprising buoyant waterscape options placed on the floatingisland.
 60. The floating island of claims 58 or 59, wherein the buoyantwaterscape options comprise natural driftwood.
 61. The floating islandof claims 58 or 59, wherein the buoyant waterscape options comprise anouter layer of plastic netting or similar material, a layer of materialthat provides buoyancy neutral mass and acts as a shock absorber andgrowth medium, a layer of malleable material that determines and holdsthe shape of the buoyant waterscape option, and an inner layer comprisedof air or a buoyant material such as closed-cell foam.
 62. A floatingisland comprising more than one unit, wherein each unit comprises anycombination of a layer of thermoplastic elastomer, a mat, and beddingsoil.
 63. A floating island comprising positively buoyant soil matrixand a water-permeable containment bag.
 64. The floating island of claim63, wherein the water-permeable containment bag contains holes in itssurface for plants to emerge.
 65. The floating island of claim 63,wherein the water-permeable containment bag is covered by a protectivenetting.
 66. A floating island comprising a flotation collar, anoutrigger, and one or more water-permeable bladders containingnegatively or neutrally buoyant bedding soil.
 67. The floating island ofclaim 66, wherein the flotation collar is made of thermoplasticelastomer, plastic foam, or other similar positively buoyant material.68. The floating island of claim 66, wherein the outrigger is flexible.69. The floating island of claim 66, wherein the outrigger is rigid. 70.A floating island comprising a first water-permeable bladder containingpositively buoyant soil matrix and a second water-permeable bladderdirectly beneath it containing negatively or neutrally buoyant soilmatrix, wherein the second water-permeable bladder is attached to thefirst water-permeable bladder by a tether.
 71. The floating island ofclaim 70, wherein the second water-permeable bladder is covered by aprotective netting.
 72. The floating island of claim 70, in combinationwith any number of the outriggers and water-permeable bladders of claim66.
 73. A floating island comprising a thermoplastic elastomer matrix,molded cavities, and plants, wherein the plants are placed in the moldedcavities.
 74. The floating island of claim 73, further comprising airbubble inclusions in the thermoplastic elastomer matrix.
 75. Thefloating island of claim 73, further comprising buoyant modules embeddedin the thermomplastic elastomer matrix.
 76. The floating island of claim73, wherein the molded cavities contain growth medium.
 77. The floatingisland of claim 73, wherein the molded cavities contain buoyant nodules.78. The floating island of claim 73, wherein the molded cavities containmoisture-retaining material.
 79. An aquarium-scale floating islandcomprising a thermoplastic elastomer shell, growth medium, and buoyantnodules.
 80. The aquarium-scale floating island of claim 79, wherein thebuoyant nodules are comprised of closed-cell polyethylene foam.
 81. Anaquarium-scale submersible planter comprising a heavy base, a shaft, anda container section, wherein the heavy base is comprised of an integralweight.
 82. The aquarium-scale submersible planter of claim 81, whereinthe container section comprises growth medium, buoyant nodules andsubmerged aquatic plants.
 83. A plant containment bag comprising athermoplastic elastomer shell.
 84. The plant containment bag of claim83, wherein there is a hole in the top of the thermoplastic elastomershell for inserting a plant.
 85. The plant containment bag of claim 83,wherein the plant containment bag is cylindrical in shape.
 86. The plantcontainment bag of claim 83, further comprising growth medium andbuoyant nodules.
 87. The plant containment bag of claim 83, furthercomprising water retention material.
 88. The plant containment bag ofclaim 87, wherein the water retention material is zeolite.
 89. The plantcontainment bag of claim 87, wherein the water retention material isfine-stranded nonwoven mesh.
 90. The plant containment bag of claim 87,wherein the water retention material is open-cell polymer foam.
 91. Theplant containment bag of claim 83, wherein an opening is cut in thebottom of the thermoplastic elastomer shell to allow water to readilyreach the plant's roots.
 92. A plant containment bag comprising aflotation pad, wherein the flotation pad comprises a flotation ring andbuoyant inclusions.
 93. The plant containment bag of claim 92, whereinthe buoyant inclusions are comprised of lightweight foam.
 94. The plantcontainment bag of claim 92, wherein the buoyant inclusions arecomprised of air pockets.
 95. A floating island comprising a shoremonitoring station.
 96. The floating island of claim 95, wherein theshore monitoring station comprises any combination of photovoltaicplates, an air pump, a water pump, an aeration device in close proximityto the floating island, a variety of sensors on, under or above thefloating island, a timing device, and a warning light.
 97. A method ofadjusting the buoyancy of a floating island, wherein the floating islandcomprises a layer of thermoplastic elastomer, comprising adjusting thebuoyancy of the layer of thermoplastic elastomer during manufacture. 98.The method of claim 97, wherein the buoyancy of the TPE is adjustedduring manufacture by sparging air into the thermoplastic elastomer. 99.The method of claim 97, wherein the buoyancy of the thermoplasticelastomer is adjusted during manufacture by adjusting the ratios ofpolymers to plasticizers.
 100. The method of claim 97, wherein thebuoyancy of the thermoplastic elastomer is adjusted during manufactureby selecting the polymers used based on their specific gravities.
 101. Amethod of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island, wherein thefloating island comprises a mat, comprising adjusting the buoyancy ofthe mat during manufacture by adding buoyant fibers to the mat.
 102. Amethod of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island, wherein thefloating island comprises bedding soil, comprising adjusting thebuoyancy of the bedding soil by adding closed-cell foam or other buoyantmaterial to the bedding soil.
 103. A method of adjusting the buoyancy ofa floating island, wherein the floating island comprises an inflatabletube or tubes on, in or under the floating island and a means forinflating and deflating the tube(s), comprising adjusting the buoyancyof the floating island by inflating or deflating the tube(s).
 104. Amethod of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island, wherein thefloating island comprises a variety of plants, comprising selecting theplants on the basis of their respective buoyancies.
 105. A method ofadjusting the buoyancy of a floating island, comprising inoculating thefloating island with gas-producing microorganisms.
 106. A method ofmanufacturing a floating island, comprising the steps of: (a) attachinga fastener to a cover board; (b) placing the cover board on top of aseeded mat; (c) placing positive mold components for soil/flotationchambers and apertures in hot thermoplastic elastomer to form a layer ofthermoplastic elastomer; (d) placing the seeded mat on top of the layerof thermoplastic elastomer; (e) molding the bottom of the layer ofthermoplastic elastomer to the desired configuration; and (f) pushing asharp tube through the layer of thermoplastic elastomer to form nutrientchannels.